Ready to Do Business with Zimbabwe
By Dickson Bandera
The European Union has extended an open invitation to global investors, declaring that Zimbabwe is now primed for economic takeoff. The call was made by EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann, at the opening of the EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum in Harare this Tuesday.
Ambassador Kirchmann hailed the nation’s economic recovery efforts and policy reforms aimed at positioning Zimbabwe as an attractive destination for trade and investment.
Since 2018, Zimbabwe has been on an ambitious path toward economic revitalization, anchored on its national development plan, Vision 2030. The goal is transforming the country into an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030. One of the key pillars to this vision is the government’s Engagement and Re-engagement Policy, designed to re-establish strong diplomatic and economic ties with the international community.
Acknowledging these strides, Ambassador Kirchmann issued a powerful invitational message during his address at the inaugural EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum.
“Now is the time to invest in Zimbabwe. This is the moment to seize new opportunities. It is not blind optimism; it is grounded in the traction we are already seeing.
“We, as the European Union, want to partner with Zimbabwe—partnering for inclusive and sustainable business development. Together, we can unlock new opportunities, drive economic growth, and build a prosperous future for all.
“The EU and Zimbabwe are no longer testing the waters. We are diving in,” said the EU top diplomat.
The 3-day-forum, which drew delegates from across Europe and Africa, marks a significant step forward in economic collaboration. Ambassador Kirchmann emphasized the EU’s enthusiasm and growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s market potential alao acknowleding that the business forum was an important step.
“I believe today brings us one step closer to our next target: reaching USD 1 billion in both trade and investment,” he said.
Among the notable reforms, the ambassador highlighted Zimbabwe’s debt resolution and arrears clearance initiative, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The move is seen as a game-changer in unlocking sovereign lending and catalyzing major infrastructure projects—especially under the EU’s flagship Global Gateway initiative.
He also commended the government’s progress on land tenure reforms.
“There has also been a landmark decision on land tenure—the issuance of bankable title deeds. This can unlock the potential of land, expand access to credit for farmers, and significantly boost both agricultural exports and food self-sufficiency,” he said.
“I note that this decision has already sparked increased interest in joint ventures with foreign investors who bring the capital that local banks cannot yet provide.”
In another significant development, Ambassador Kirchmann announced that Zimbabwe and the EU are on the verge of finalizing a Deepened Economic Partnership Agreement, in collaboration with Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Comoros.
“I am also pleased to announce that the European Union and Zimbabwe—together with Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Comoros—are close to finalising a Deepened Economic Partnership Agreement. I hope Zimbabwe will take the necessary steps to conclude these negotiations swiftly. This will further facilitate trade and investment and become the first of its kind between the EU and Africa.”
With these advancements, Zimbabwe appears to be entering a new era—one where bold reforms, international cooperation, and a commitment to inclusive growth are converging to shape a hopeful economic future.
